Summer Starts Now

With spring wedding season behind me, I can officially say this is my start to summer! Not that work will stop, but I'm excited to get in a steady rhythm of (reasonable) work and life balance without another wedding weekend until the end of July.

How is your summer going so far? I know I'm late, but I love this list of ways to celebrate summer.

xo

// Image by Jose Villa //

Art & Soul: Lauren Carnes Photography

I'm excited to feature today's Art & Soul because Lauren is not just one talented woman, she has become a dear friend over the last 7 or so years. We met freshman year of college through my roommate (Lauren's sorority sister) and destiny has kept us running into each other ever since!

 

Lauren has honed her photography skills for years now and finally in early May launched her company and website - Lauren Carnes Photography! Her energy and passion for life is infectious. Having spent time on the other side of the lens with her (Lauren shot our Christmas photos in 2012), I can truly say she makes you feel so happy and comfortable.

Although Lauren no longer lives in Athens, we are planning a styled shoot to be feature one of Athens' newest venues and I can't wait to share more details in the future. For now, enjoy her serious drool-worthy eye candy from her recent trip to Italy!

 

Wouldn't this beach shot be a killer print blown up and hung above a bed or on a mantle?! If you are on the hunt for a great lifestyle, e-session or wedding photographer, be sure to check out more of Lauren's work on her blog.

// All images by Lauren Carnes //

Time to Chill

Three weekends, three weddings. Cheers to that!

// Image via Bloom //

Taste of Summer

Last night I made dinner using one of the easiest recipes from Martha Stewart and it was such a hit with the hubs that I had to share here too! Instead of grilling the salmon (due to time) we simply baked it on 350 for about 20 minutes. The corn, tomato and avocado relish is so refreshingly good it could be eaten alone - or used as a salsa instead!

What are your go-to summer recipes?

Currently Following: Design Improvised

Don't you just love how a simple search for design inspiration can lead you to all corners of the web? That's essentially what happened when I was looking for office ideas on Apartment Therapy, saw Haeley's home office featured and then immediately checked out her blog. 

She shares tons of DIY projects that are both simple and low budget- best of both worlds, right? 

Haeley's ideas range from home office organization like revamping a file cabinet and simplifying craft supplies clutter, to adding simple touches to a cinder block or craft paper for an instantly updated look. 

My personal favorite is definitely her stamped tea towel tutorial - perfect for an outdoor summer party, paired with snacks and cocktails for a group of girls!

What new blogs are you discovering and lovely lately?

// All images from Design Improvised //